Gerardine Butterfield

Gerardine Butterfield was a quiet woman who lived a private life. At 63 years old, the female resident of Windsor, Ontario, was known to be selective about her company, preferring solitude and the comfort of her own home. She lived alone in apartment 101 at 591 Wellington Avenue, a building where she was well-liked. Her circle was small and tight-knit, consisting of just a few immediate family members. So cautious was she that she rarely allowed anyone else to visit her, and she would only leave her apartment when accompanied by one of these trusted relatives. Her life was orderly and solitary, which made the circumstances of her death all the more alarming to those who knew her and the authorities tasked with finding her killer.

On the evening of Saturday, May 25, 2019, around 7:30 p.m., Windsor police officers responded to a call and discovered Gerardine’s body inside her apartment. The investigation that followed soon determined that she had been the victim of a homicide, the city’s first of that year. Investigators with the Major Crimes Unit believe she was actually killed several days before she was found. The official cause of death has not been publicly released by police. Given her reclusive nature, police determined that anyone seen with Gerardine, attempting to contact her, or leaving her apartment around the time of the murder would be considered suspicious, unless they were one of her known family visitors.

The investigation was launched by the Windsor Police Service, which began canvassing the neighborhood and interviewing potential witnesses. An autopsy was conducted to confirm the cause of death. For a year, the case progressed without public breakthroughs. Then, on the first anniversary of the discovery of her body, in May 2020, investigators announced a significant development: they had identified a person of interest. Despite this step forward, police clarified that they had not yet established the grounds to name a suspect or lay any charges.

In the years since, the investigation has remained active, but tips have slowed. "This investigation remains active, we continue to follow up any leads any tips that we may receive," Major Crimes Staff Sgt. Joe Faddoul stated in June 2023. "Unfortunately, it’s been some time since we received any sort of tips that we can act upon." He confirmed that the individual identified in 2020 still remains a person of interest. Police have emphasized that even a small, seemingly insignificant detail could be the key to breaking the case open.

To encourage new leads, the Windsor Police Services Board initially authorized a $5,000 reward in May 2020 for information leading to an arrest and prosecution. As the case grew colder, the reward was substantially increased. In June 2023, the Windsor Police Service and the Police Services Board raised the amount to $20,000, hoping the incentive would compel someone with knowledge of the crime to finally come forward.

As of July 2023, Gerardine Butterfield’s murder remains unsolved. Investigators continue to seek that one crucial piece of information that will provide closure for her family and bring her killer to justice. The $20,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the person responsible is still being offered. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Windsor Police Service Major Crime Unit at 519-255-6700, extension 4830. To remain anonymous, tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 519-258-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.catchcrooks.com.